Best Colleges in New York

New York, the Empire State, with the motto “Ever Upward,” is a Northeastern state that’s home to the Statue of Liberty, the US symbol of freedom, democracy, and opportunity. New York City, The Big Apple, has, likewise, become known as a place of entrepreneurship, social tolerance, cinemas, and Broadway, and claims more than 40% of the state’s population. There are more than 200 colleges in New York, dozens of which are a part of either the State University of New York (SUNY) or the City University of New York (CUNY) systems. The oldest institution in the state is Columbia University, which was originally chartered as King’s College, and it’s also the most selective. New York has two federal service academies, Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Judaism institutions. Financial services claims the top industry spot in NY, but its closely followed by health care, professional and technical services, and retail trade. Standard attractions for New York include the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and the Empire State Building, as well as Watkins Glen State Park, Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, and the Enchanted Mountain region.

How Were the Top Schools in New York Chosen?

Appily determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.

Explore the Best Universities in New York with Appily!

Create a Appily account to start saving schools to your personal list. Wondering where you stand when applying to the best universities in the USA? You can also see your chances of acceptance and get insights into your target, reach, and likely schools.

College placeholder image

The College of Staten Island is a 4-year public school in New York City and a senior college in the City University of New York system. CSI is home to five divisions and schools offering undergrad degrees in over 55 academic majors. In addition to...

“…

Just finished my first semester and I am ready for the next one

” – Troy from New York, NY
College placeholder image

One of 17 American colleges sponsored by the Conference for Mercy Higher Education and founded by the Sisters of Mercy, Maria College is a 4-year institution dedicated to service and study of the health sciences. In addition to undergraduate programs...

“…

Everyone is really helpful and friendly! Especially Laurie Gilmore the Director Of Admissions!

” – Amanda from Glenmont, NY
College placeholder image

Metropolitan College of New York is a private school with locations in lower Manhattan and The Bronx. MCNY offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs divided among its three schools. All classes are founded on MCNY’s philosophy of purpose...

College placeholder image

Belanger School of Nursing is a private, nurse-licensing institution established in Schenectady, New York. The School of Nursing exclusively offers an associate’s degree program in Nursing, which, as of the Fall 2018 semester, includes a 64-credit...

SUNY College of Technology at Canton

SUNY College of Technology at Canton is located in northern New York State and part of the State University of New York System. Originally founded as the first 2-year college in New York, SUNY Canton now confers bachelor’s degrees in 29 career...

“…

SUNY Canton's main campus facilities are incorporated into the side of a hill making almost all window a pleasant view. The staff and the students here are intuitive and pleasant. Ethnic diversity at SUNY Canton is also a big factor when...

” – Scott from Heuvetlton, NY
College placeholder image

The Pomeroy College of Nursing at Crouse Hospital is a nursing academy in Syracuse, New York. Pomeroy offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and provides a number of additional support services including career counseling and job placement...

Russell Sage College

The Sage Colleges is a three-college institution located in both Albany and Troy, New York. Students enrolled at The Sage Colleges can attend classes on two campuses in order to complete their degree with a high level of flexibility. The college...

“…

All of my professors so far have been wonderful. I have never learned so much in my life. They are all very knowledgeable and are willing to meet with you after class hours if you need more help. They are always available to help you understand the...

” – Drew from Catskill, NY
College placeholder image

As the only public college in New York’s Adirondack Park region, North Country Community College is a 2-year institution and part of the State University of New York system. Among North Country’s 20 degree-granting fields of study, the college’s...

College placeholder image

Yeshivath Viznitz is an Chasidic Jewish yeshiva and rabbinical training institution in southern upstate New York. The yeshiva offers an undergraduate degree program in Talmudic and Rabbinical Studies. This program’s curriculum revolves around the...

SUNY College of Technology at Canton Online

SUNY College of Technology at Canton is located in northern New York State and part of the State University of New York System. Originally founded as the first 2-year college in New York, SUNY Canton now confers bachelor’s degrees in 29 career...

College placeholder image

Sullivan County Community College is a 2-year college in the Catskill Mountains and part of the State University of New York system. SUNY Sullivan is home to 15 academic departments offering degree and certificate programs. Every new student is...

“…

They have a great campus.

” – Israel from New York, NY
College placeholder image

Niagara County Community College is a 2-year community college in western New York State and part of the State University of New York system. NCCC confers associate degrees in over 60 academic fields of study. Additionally, the college makes 10...

“…

Great place to start a degree program, and get the general education requirements out of the way.
It is very economical to attend and the instruction is high quality.
There are also plenty of majors to choose from.

” – Samantha from Lockport, NY
Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science

Paul Smith’s College of Arts and Sciences is a private school in northern New York State and the only college in the Adirondacks. Paul Smith’s offers bachelor’s degrees in 20 academic majors and is also home to seven associate degree-granting...

“…

Ecologically-minded, but lacking in funds and motivation in times. Come here if you are an intelligent, hard-working student who desires to be an agent of change. We need students who are willing to help make this beautiful college of the Adirondacks...

” – Sierra from Paul Smiths, NY
College placeholder image

Rabbinical College Bobover Yeshiva Bnei Zion is an Orthodox Jewish yeshiva in Brooklyn dedicated to training students in interpreting classical Jewish texts and pursuing rabbinic training. The yeshiva features an undergraduate program in Talmudic...

College placeholder image

With a campus adjacent to downtown Syracuse, Upstate Medical University is a medical school in the State University of New York system. SUNY Upstate features bachelor’s degrees in five medical subjects and all undergraduates enter as rising juniors...

College placeholder image

Yeshiva Derech Chaim is an Orthodox Jewish yeshiva in Brooklyn. The yeshiva hosts a Bais HaMedrash and Kollel featuring a Talmudic Studies program. In addition to classes in Jewish history and culture, Derech Chaim offers lessons in professional...

College placeholder image

Phillips School of Nursing at Mount Sinai Beth Israel is a nurse-training academy in New York City. The only nursing school in the Mount Sinai Health System, PSON offers a 15-month Bachelor of Science in Nursing curriculum as well as an RN to BSN...

College placeholder image

Yeshiva D’monsey Rabbinical College is an Orthodox Jewish yeshiva in southern upstate New York. The yeshiva offers degrees in Talmudic Studies with a focus on Jewish morality. In addition to classroom space, Yeshiva D’monsey features on-campus...

Villa Maria College

Founded by the Felician Sisters, Villa Maria College is a 4-year Catholic school in Buffalo. Villa Maria confers bachelor’s degrees in 12 academic majors and is also home to eight associate-degree granting programs. To provide a real-world learning...

College placeholder image

The Ailey School is a professional dance training academy in Manhattan’s Midtown West neighborhood. Ailey’s Professional Division is open to students age 17-25 and offers a 1-year independent study, 3-year certificate program, and a full-time...